PL2

Scunthorpe PL2 v Albion PL2 match report

Albion PL2 opened their Premier League Cup campaign with a group-stage win against Scunthorpe United at the Sands Venue Stadium.

Chris Willock fired the Baggies into a first-half lead before netting with just 20 minutes left to play, securing a hard-earned victory on the road for the young Baggies.

Despite Albion dominating possession in the early stages, Scunthorpe had the first real chance of the evening, as Brad House made amends for a fumbled save by making an impressive close-range block to deny the hosts.

On the half-hour mark, the Baggies took the lead. Rekeem Harper fizzed a through ball to Jamie Soule. The young forward played in Chris Willock who smashed a powerful effort into the net from inside the box.

Before the break Albion almost stretched their advantage through another Willock and Soule combination, with the former playing in the latter - only for Adam Kelsey to claw away the goalbound chip.

In the second-half Albion had the ball in the back of the net again after a lofted ball was headed into the path of Soule who nodded home - only to see the offside flag held aloft.

With 20 minutes to play, Willock extended the Baggies’ advantage as he fired in a powerful strike from the edge of the box.

Some late action saw both sides have chances; House was forced into action and made a few good stops, with Nick Clayton-Phillips and Dan Meredith going close down the other end.

ALBION: House; Meredith, Martinez, Fitzwater, Harmon; Harper, Wilding; Clayton-Phillips, Azaz (Asomugha 62), Willock; Soule (Ashton 78).

Substitutes: Emery, Shotton, Solanke.